Background and aim of the study: Whether the number of reoperative mitral valve replacements (MVRs) for structural valve deterioration (SVD) affects early or late survival is unclear. Hence, the aim of the present study was to investigate this issue. Methods: A total of 114 consecutive patients (84 females, 30 males; mean age 63.4 +/- 11.9 years) who underwent 141 redo MVRs for SVD during a 20-year period was retrospectively analyzed. Of these patients, 87 (76.3%) had undergone first-time reoperations (87 redos; group A), while the remaining 27 (23.7%) had undergone two or more reoperations (54 redos; group B). The mean follow up period was 8.5 +/- 6.8 years, and the follow up rate was 96.2%. Results: NYHA functional class III or IV was noted in 34 patients (39.1%) of group A, and in 17 patients (63.0%) of group B (p = 0.0292). The EuroSCORE and logistic EuroSCORE in group B were significantly higher than those in group A. The hospital mortality rate was 4.6% in group A and 11.1% in group B (p = 0.1430). Logistic regression analysis revealed risk factors for hospital mortality to be the number of reoperations (OR 4.399; p = 0.0467) and NYHA class III or IV (OR 9.090; p = 0.0483). There were no significant differences in five-, 10- or 15-year survival rates between groups A and B (log-rank test, p = 0.3369). A Cox regression analysis showed advanced age to be the only predictor of late mortality (HR = 1.098; p = 0.0013). Conclusion: Irrespective of whether a patient has undergone two or more reoperative MVRs, a better long-term survival can be expected before progression of the patient's NYHA functional class.
